Georgiana Vines: Briggs holds huge cash lead over Campfield

Knox County Commissioner Richard Briggs raised $122,180 in the last six months in this campaign for the Republican nomination to defeat the state Sen. Stacey Campfield, financial disclosures filed with the state show.

With $43,678 going into the reporting period and spending $9,315, Briggs has $156,543 remaining for the Aug. 7 state primary.

Briggs, a cardiothoracic surgeon, received considerable donations from fellow physicians as well as lawyers and other business people. He also received $10,000 from Independent Medicine’s PAC-TN and $2,500 from HMA Tennessee PAC.

Campfield, who prides himself in running low-budget and door-to-door campaigns, reported raising $16,970 during the same period and spending $4,202. His expenditures included $995 in thefts by a former campaign staffer, which he earlier disclosed. He has $23,202 left in his account and cannot raise money while the Legislature is in session.

The two are vying for the 7th Senate District seat, as is Democrat Cheri Siler, a teacher who just started campaigning a few weeks ago. She reported raising $1,717, spending $516 (including repaying a $113 loan) and having $1,201 on hand.

Campfield frequently sponsors legislation not supported locally, like one that blocks local governments from banning guns in parks, and on social issues, like “The Classroom Protection Act,” which would have banned the discussion of homosexuality in kindergarten through eighth grade.

Campfield has not yet taken out a qualifying petition to run but has until April 3. An assistant in his office, Zack Dean, said, “He’s definitely running.”

State Rep. Joe Armstrong, D-Knoxville, also is expected to seek re-election but has yet to take out a petition. Armstrong is the current president of the National Black Caucus of State Legislators, a two-year position.

In another local legislative race of interest, state Rep. Gloria Johnson, a Democrat representing the 13th District, reported she had raised $73,365 in the last six months. She spent $9,927 and has a balance of $87,005. The House Democratic Caucus contributed $10,000 to her campaign.

Jason Emert, a Republican who has taken out a petition, did not have a report filed with the state on Friday. Candidates may mail in reports as late as midnight Friday. He did not return a phone call seeking comment. Another Republican, Nick Cazana, who ran as an Independent two years ago, also did not have a report filed.